What is a poison?

A poison is any substance (solid, liquid or gas) which can cause damage if it enters the body in sufficient quantities. Anyone can swallow, breathe in, absorb though the skin or inject a poison.

Poisons can cause seizures, blurred vision, a major allergic reaction or be fatal. If you suspect a child has been exposed to a potentially harmful substance, be cautious. Get the child seen by a medical professional as soon as possible. The key to poisoning is really prevention.

Cleaning and laundry products

The bright colours of cleaning products or squidgy washing tablets can be really appealing to small children. However, the concentrated chemicals can do serious damage to children’s insides, skin and eyes.

• Take a moment to check where yours are and move them to a safe spot. Ideally in a high up cupboard, out of sight and reach.
• Be careful if you leave dishwasher tablets in the door of the machine. Little fingers can move fast and the tablet is in their reach.
• Put products away out of reach as soon as you’ve used them.
• Don’t rely on safety caps – they slow children down but they’re not childproof.
• Look out for products with a bittering agent like Bitrex when you can do your normal shop again. It tastes so horrible, children spit it out instead of swallowing, preventing accidental poisoning.

Everyday painkillers

Accidentally swallowing everyday painkillers is the most common way for young children to be poisoned. Like with dishwasher tablets, they can easily mistake the colourful tablets for something interesting to eat.

• Have a look around your kitchen, bathroom and bedroom for any medicines. Move them to a safe spot in a high up cupboard, out of sight and reach.
• Watch out for painkillers left on the bedside table or in the handbag on the floor too.
• Never decant medication or other products into different containers. Always use original containers, clearly labelled, with childproof lids if possible.

What to do if a child is poisoned

If you suspect a child has swallowed a harmful substance, calmly establish how much has gone. Check if any has been swallowed.

Call 111 even if the child seems well (they have access to the poisons database and can give clear and helpful advice). Call the emergency services if you are seriously worried and give as much information as you can.

If a berry has been eaten, photograph and take a leaf from the plant to help with identification. Don’t let your child run around as it will increase their metabolism and could speed up any reaction.

Make sure to keep the packaging of the tablet of substance. As much evidence as possible is useful. Take this with you to hospital.

Be wary if the child shows any change in behaviour, starts to vomit or becomes drowsy. Call an ambulance and explain clearly what has happened. Do not take them to hospital in a car unless advised to do so by the emergency services. This is in case they deteriorate on the way to hospital.

Corrosive substances

Cleaning products and dishwasher tablets contain strong alkalis and burn if swallowed. If you suspect a child has eaten a dishwasher tablet or drunk cleaning product, stay as calm as possible and establish what has happened. Read the advice on the packaging. Wipe away any obvious residue from around the child’s mouth and get them to rinse their mouth with milk or water. If they have swallowed the substance, give them small sips of milk or water. Phone for an ambulance and give them as much information as you can.

• Do not make the child sick as the substance will have burnt them as they swallowed it and vomiting will burn them again.

• If they begin to lose consciousness and you need to give CPR, protect yourself from the corrosive substance using a face shield.

• If a child has eaten a button battery, they will need to go to A&E for an X-ray. A battery will burn through the intestinal wall and you may not be aware there is a problem until the child becomes visibly unwell.

The Childhood Accident Prevention Trust and Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents both work tirelessly to prevent accidents in children and their websites are full of really useful tips and advice.

About us

Written by Emma Hammett

First Aid for Life provide award-winning first aid training tailored to your needs – Please visit our site and learn more about our practical and online courses. It is vital to keep your skills current and refreshed.

It is strongly advised that you attend a fully regulated Practical or Online First Aid course to understand what to do in a medical emergency. Please visit https://firstaidforlife.org.uk or call 0208 675 4036 for more information about our courses.

First Aid for Life is a multi-award-winning, fully regulated first aid training provider. Our trainers are highly experienced medical, health and emergency services professionals who will tailor the training to your needs. Courses for groups or individuals at our venue or yours.

First Aid for life provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for medical advice. First Aid for Life is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made, or actions taken based on this information.